Calling All Crafters!

The Elburn Days Craft Fair is coming soon!CLICK to download the application TODAY!

Ream’s Meat Market has long remained an Elburn landmark in its own right. Known for consistently high quality fresh meats, folks detour all the way to Elburn with the sole purpose of visiting Ream’s.

What could be said about Ream’s that has not already been said? I asked owner, Janelle Ream, to help me identify some of the offerings that customers perhaps may not be as familiar with.

It quickly became clear that I had been missing out on one of the best prepared food destinations that Elburn has to offer.

Who among us has not been in the car on the way home from work, rapidly approaching “hangry” status, only to realize that we failed to plan dinner. (Extra point for each child in tow that you are also responsible for feeding.) Let’s talk strategy for the next time this situation arises.

Some of the prepared items Ream’s has readily available any night of the week include pulled pork, smoked brisket and Italian beef. So clearly, you will not be lacking for entree options. Still need a side dish? Ream’s boasts an impressive collection of homemade sides guaranteed to suite the preferences of the pickiest eaters. Twice baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese, split pea soup, potato salad, cheesy pea salad and roasted potatoes are just a few.

Maybe you’ve begun to avoid carbs at all costs? Ream’s has both steak and chicken kabobs as well as roughly 10 varieties of stuffed chicken breast – many of which are made without bread stuffing. I would also recommend seeking out the homemade ham salad and chicken salad sold in the Deli.

Speaking of the Deli…Many customers are not aware that all of the meats sold in the Deli are homemade! (With the notable exception of head cheese.) As a frugal shopper, I feel like it is worth noting that Ream’s prices are more than comparable to the “sale” prices offered by local grocers. As for the quality, there is no competition.

With 3 smokehouses to their name, a large part of the business continues to be Beef Jerky and Snack Sausage of which they have 10-15 varieties – of each – at any given time! And then there is the Beef Jerky Dip. This dip has a cult following and a cooler in the shop dedicated to its wonderment. Nothing more needs to be said.

In late fall of 2017, Ream’s also began offering catering services. The catering menu can be found on their website, where they have published information on all of their products. Longtime Chamber members, Ream’s Meat Market recently catered the Elburn Chamber of Commerce Member Recognition Dinner with a buffet that included Italian beef, mostaccioli, salad and meat and cheese platters. Definitely something to keep in mind as graduation party season quickly approaches.

While the concept of being an advocate for your own health may be new to some, it has remained the cornerstone of Elburn Chiropractic & Acupuncture for 33 years. Nestled away on the east of Main Street in Elburn, Dr. Kenneth Baumruck has been encouraging his patients to prioritize investing in their own health since the launch of his practice. In other words, long before the concept become a mainstream notion.

As patients enter Elburn Chiropractic & Acupuncture, they are immediately greeted by a sign reading “Chiropractic First, Drugs Second, Surgery Last.” Within just minutes of talking with Dr. Baumruck it becomes rapidly apparent that this is not a well-placed piece of decor, but a mantra deeply embedded in the very cornerstone of his approach.

In early February, the team celebrated their 3,000th patient and that roster continues to grow. When asked to expound upon their approach the doctor stated: “We cater the experience to the patients and address the underlying cause.” He went on to explain that the treatment in and of itself remains the same, but each session is tailored to follow the patient’s tolerance and geared towards their preferences.

Patient education is a large component of the signature approach practiced by Elburn Chiropractic & Acupuncture. “We’re more than just backs” Baumruck stated simply. He clarified that there is a common misconception that Chiropractors focus solely on back injuries/problems. In actuality, the practice addresses all components and issues related to the nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems. Treatment types include adjustments, acupuncture and cold laser.

I discovered that Dr. Baumruck did not, in fact, reside in Elburn. This was a surprise to me given the extent of his involvement in the community. Aside from being a Chamber of Commerce member for 33 years, he has held multiple board positions and volunteered his time to countless community events including, but not limited to; the Chamber of Commerce Dinner Dance, Golf Outing and Elburn Days.

For the last 5 years, the doctor has been assisted by Brad Baumruck, his nephew, who attends to all administrative functions in the practice. A vast portion of his time is dedicated to helping patients navigate their insurance coverage and helping them to understand the treatments and services.

When asked what he might like to impart to readers, Baumruck stressed the importance of basic knowledge of one’s own body and neurological system. We again touched on the fundamental importance of addressing the underlying cause of any malady. Finally, he directed my attention to the sign in the entryway “Chiropractic First, Drugs Second, Surgery Last.”

To make an appointment or connect with Elburn Chiropractic & Acupuncture online:

The 2018 Elburn Chamber Scholarship application is now available to all those high school seniors who live in the Kaneland District. The criteria for this scholarship are academic excellence, extracurricular activities, written communication skills and community service. The deadline for the application is the end of the school day on April 13, 2018. Please contact the Elburn Chamber office with any questions. Click here to download the application.

Calling all Chamber Members/Businesses!

The Elburn Chamber is collecting items for the Chamber membership/local businesses for us to distribute “Welcome to the Community” baskets for new residents that move into the area. Please consider donating items like brochures, business cards, pens, clips, flyers, mugs, flossers, key chains, stress balls, koozies, highlighters, coupons (basically anything with your logo/business name on it) for us to distribute when someone contacts the Chamber office. We will be doing a postcard mailing to all new residents to encourage them to check out the Elburn downtown area and stop by the Chamber office to collect their Elburn “goodies”! Please consider donating! It’s a great way to market your business as well at no cost to you except whatever you donate!

Please consider donating about 100-150 items to help kick-off this welcoming adventure that the Chamber is taking on for our community.